«Pre-election period began with Tsarukian's decision»

Following the decision of the leader of Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) Gagik Tsarukian, the pre-election period has begun, Director of «Caucasus» Institute, political scientist Alexander Iskandarian stated at a meeting with reporters today.

He said that all the political forces were waiting for BHK to announce its decision so as to clarify their further steps. “The election outcome is more than predictable. Serzh Sargsyan may collect 51% or 80-85% of the votes, depending on who the presidential candidates will be and how the opposition field will be rearranged».

The political scientist expressed an opinion that the opposition's consolidation is unlikely, even if Gagik Tsarukian was put up as candidate. According to his forecasts, all the opposition political forces will run in the presidential election separately. «It does not matter what the candidates will say, nonetheless, the winner will be one person».

Speaking about BHK decision and its electorate, A. Iskandarian noted that the electorate of this political force will divide into electorates of all the candidates.

«In all likelihood, Gagik Tsarukian made a decision not to run in the election, taking his own interests into account, perhaps there have been some agreements in his favor during the negotiations. This is politics rather than a boycott,» the political scientist said in conclusion.